Smart Choices: The Guide to Finances and Philanthropy

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Understanding nonprofits

Why give?

Youth giving

Making a contribution

Resources

Youth volunteering takes many forms. Today’s teenagers design and carry out a variety of projects. These can address homelessness, illiteracy, and the environment. The possibilities are unlimited!

Youth giving

One in four Americans is under the age of 18. That amounts to about 70 million youth in our country. If you are part of this group, you may not be able to vote yet or even drive. Still, you do have power. You particularly have the power to make a difference in your community.

As a youth, how you spend your time matters. About 13 million U.S. teens volunteer three hours per week, on average. That adds up to over 2 billion hours per year! Youth volunteers are making a difference in their communities. Working together, they tackle problems such as pollution, poverty, and more.

Your giving can benefit you as well. The experience of helping others builds a sense of responsibility. It helps you to feel more like a member of society. In addition to helping organizations, youth receive many gifts by contributing to their communities.

Here is what several former volunteers have said about their experiences with giving:
	"I've learned about responsibility and diversity."
	"It gave me a different outlook on life and led me to meet new people. "
	“It has given me leadership skills, and it makes me recognize the problems of others in our city."
	"My experience was valuable to me because I learned a lot about myself and my peers. I am no longer afraid to speak my mind or to become more involved with my community leaders."

Sunil Neera

Sunil Neera, 16, is a sophomore in high school in Wisconsin. Sunil is active on the youth advisory council of a local community foundation. Through this experience, Sunil has learned about how nonprofits operate. “I learned what an endowment is and where nonprofit resources come from,” Sunil said. “I also saw what great things nonprofits do. They really contribute to the community.”

Sunil is a strong believer in the power of philanthropy. He donates to different organizations. “It’s cool to see that I can make a difference,” he said. Sunil has some experiences to share with other students regarding donating. “When you donate to a nonprofit, know where your money is going to go,” Sunil said. “The follow-through is important. You want to know what an organization is doing with your money. There’s a lot of fraud after hurricane Katrina. It’s good to follow-up.”

“ When you do,” Sunil added, “you can take pride in knowing that your money is put to good use.”

Benefits of volunteering

Youth who volunteer are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. They’re also less likely to smoke or become vandals. Youth who volunteer are more likely to:
• do well in school
• graduate
• vote
• become
• philanthropists

Source: UCLA/Higher Education Research Institute.

Youth leadership is important in keeping communities alive and growing. Indian leader Mahatma sGandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Through philanthropy, youth can help create a better life for generations to come.

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